This year, the same duck (his best guess, anyway) returned to build another nest. When the ducklings hatched this past weekend, Brashear had a food dispenser and saucers of water for drinking and swimming at the ready.

Usually, the mother leads them across the lawn to the food and water. Monday morning, though, mama duck was away briefly, so he stepped into service, with camera phone.

“She was comfortable enough to leave while I was in the backyard with them,” Brashear commented on Facebook. “She flew off to be with her man for a moment. They both landed shortly thereafter. He was not happy with me.”

Follow @bitterwhiteguy on Twitter and Instagram for more duck-cam updates as the spring saga continues.